Last Updated on March 15, 2026 by Brian Kachejian
Photo by Brian Kachejian
If you live on Long Island, with a few exceptions, most pizzerias are located in the typical suburban shopping centers scattered across the island. Some are small, some are large, but the setting is usually the same. There are a few towns that break that pattern. Places like Huntington and Patchogue have pizzerias right on busy main streets with heavy foot traffic. Still, there are very few pizzerias like Linda’s Riverside that sit right over a body of water, tucked deep into a residential neighborhood where the only traffic is basically local residents. It almost feels hidden.
A place like this depends largely on the people who live nearby or on word of mouth. And I know there are people who probably don’t want a place like this talked about too much because they want to keep it to themselves. I completely understand, because this place is a real gem. Hands down, Linda’s Riverside Pizzeria in Kings Park, more specifically in San Remo, serves one of the best slices of pizza I have ever had in my life.
I visited Linda’s Riverside Pizzeria yesterday with my son on a freezing Saturday afternoon. Right outside the pizzeria, there is a small park with benches overlooking the Nissequogue River, a beautiful setting you do not often see at many pizza places. When I walked inside the pizzeria, it was pretty crowded. Even with the place busy, the people behind the counter noticed me right away and asked if they could help. They were friendly and welcoming, which always makes a strong first impression.
This is primarily a takeout spot, although there were several people standing inside by the windows and along the walls talking and hanging out. It had a very community feel to it. There was much more than just pizza behind the counter. I noticed cookies, donuts, and a large menu of other items. People I have spoken to about this place often rave about the heroes and other food they serve. But this was a pizza review, and I always do it this way. I ordered a regular slice and a specialty slice. If I see a Sicilian that looks good, that becomes the specialty slice.
We took the pizza outside, sat down on one of the benches, opened the box, and braved the freezing cold. I felt bad for my son Cole because he was freezing, but I told him that when you are reviewing pizza, sacrifices have to be made. Sometimes you have to brave the elements.
Regular Slice
I always start with the regular slice because that is really what these pizza reviews are about. Comparing the regular slice is the most honest way to judge a pizzeria. Sometimes it takes a few bites before I really understand what I am tasting and how much I like it. Every once in a while, though, you take a bite, and you know instantly that what you are eating is something special. That happened here. The first bite told me everything I needed to know. I had found a gem. I actually said to myself, why haven’t I tried this place earlier? If you watch the video and look at my reaction, you will see exactly what I am talking about. That reaction matters because it shows how genuine these reviews really are.
Everything about the slice worked. The balance of sauce and cheese was done so well it almost seemed impossible for it to come together that perfectly. The sauce was a knockout. The cheese was pure bliss. Whatever spices they use are not immediately obvious, and honestly, that might be the best part because everything blends together so naturally. Nothing jumps out; everything works together, and the result is simply one of the best slices of pizza I have ever eaten.
The Sicilian
After being blown away by the regular slice, I actually worried the Sicilian would not have a chance. I mean, how many bands can follow Led Zeppelin? But the Sicilian held its own. Maybe it was not Led Zeppelin, but it was definitely Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, or Lynyrd Skynyrd. You get the idea. The Sicilian was just as impressive. Again, it comes back to the sauce, the cheese, and the dough. Everything works together because the people making the pizza clearly know what they are doing. This is just really solid pizza, whether you order a regular slice or a Sicilian. I highly recommend Linda’s Riverside Pizzeria. You will not be disappointed. Just be ready to rely on your GPS, because finding it might be the hardest part.
Some pizza reviews take a few bites to figure out. This one didn’t.
This should help you find it. Google Maps is very helpful for a place like this.
